Cris Jacobs

Biography

Cris Jacobs is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist from Baltimore, Maryland, known for his dynamic blend of bluegrass, soul, country, folk, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. Jacobs first gained prominence as the frontman and principal songwriter for The Bridge, a Baltimore-based jam band that toured nationally and released five albums between 2001 and 2011. Before The Bridge, he helped spark a local acoustic music revival with his bluegrass group, Smooth Kentucky, in the early 2000s.

After The Bridge disbanded, Jacobs embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album 'Songs for Cats and Dogs' in 2012. He continued to evolve artistically, earning critical acclaim for albums like 'Dust to Gold' (2016) and 'Color Where You Are' (2019), which showcased his soulful songwriting and virtuosic guitar work. Jacobs is celebrated for his authenticity and ability to transcend genres, drawing inspiration from American roots music while forging his own path. His 2023 album 'One of These Days,' produced by Jerry Douglas and featuring the Infamous Stringdusters, reflects a period of personal and artistic renewal, highlighting his commitment to honest, heartfelt music.

Jacobs has become a pillar of the Baltimore music scene, inspiring a new generation of Americana and roots musicians. His work has been recognized by NPR, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post, and he is respected by peers and fans alike for his passionate performances and dedication to his craft.

Fun Facts

• Cris Jacobs was invited by Steve Winwood and Sturgill Simpson to open their national tours after they saw him perform live.
• He experienced a period of depression and artistic doubt before writing his album 'One of These Days,' during which he turned to transcendental meditation and guitar practice for renewal.
• Jacobs' collaborative album with Ivan Neville, released as 'Neville Jacobs,' blends New Orleans funk with Americana, reflecting his genre-crossing approach.
• He is known for recording his albums with live takes to capture an authentic, organic sound, often avoiding heavy studio production.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jerry Douglas - Producer and musical hero; produced Jacobs' album 'One of These Days' and provided encouragement during a period of artistic doubt. (One of These Days) [2023]
• Townes Van Zandt - Songwriting influence; cited by Jacobs as a key inspiration for his lyrical approach. (General songwriting influence) [Ongoing]
• Willis Alan Ramsey - Songwriting influence; admired for his storytelling and musical style. (General songwriting influence) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• The Bridge - Bandmates in Jacobs' primary group from 2001-2011; Jacobs was principal songwriter and frontman. (Five albums with The Bridge) [2001-2011]
• Ivan Neville - Co-leader of the collaborative project 'Neville Jacobs'; recorded an album together. (Neville Jacobs (album, 2017)) [2017]
• Infamous Stringdusters - Served as backing band on Jacobs' album 'One of These Days.' (One of These Days) [2023]
• Anders Osborne - Collaborated on various projects and performances. (Live performances, collaborative sessions) [2010s-2020s]
• Los Lobos - Collaborated on stage and in studio settings. (Collaborative performances) [2010s-2020s]
• Darrell Scott - Collaborated in songwriting and performances. (Collaborative sessions) [2010s-2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Baltimore roots/Americana musicians - Jacobs is credited with inspiring the acoustic and Americana music revival in Baltimore, encouraging a new generation of musicians to pursue roots-based styles. (General influence on Baltimore music scene) [2000s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Jack The Whistle And The Hammer (Dust To Gold)
2. Under The Big Top (Color Where You Are)
3. Shine Your Weary Light (Dust To Gold)
4. Poor Davey (One of These Days)
5. Daughter, Daughter (Daughter, Daughter)
6. The Devil Or Jesse James (Dust To Gold)
7. Kind Woman (Dust To Gold)
8. Hallelujah Hustler (Dust To Gold)
9. Bone Digger (Dust To Gold)
10. Poor Davey (Poor Davey)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz